Volkan Oezdemir Claims Alexander Gustafsson is Wise to Duck Him…

Volkan Oezdemir is calling for a scrap with Alexander Gustafsson, but the heavy handed fighter believes “The Mauler” has no interest in facing him.

Oezdemir is coming off a quick knockout of Jimi Manuwa, which took place at UFC 214 in July. The victory was Oezdemir’s third straight win in the Octagon, and it also extended his winning streak to five. After the bout, Oezdemir argued that he, and not Gustafsson, should fight for the title next. According to Oezdemir, the next 205 title fight should feature a fresh face, and not the Swedish star, who has fought for the belt twice (Gustafsson lost closely contested bouts to Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones). Further, “No Time” cited the momentum he has behind him, as to why he should get tapped for a title shot.

Well, since then, the MMA world has been rocked with the news that Jones has been notified of another USADA flag. As a result, it’s not clear yet what’s going to happen with the light-heavyweight title. Oezdemir wants to fight either Cormier or Gustafsson, but while discussing the latter, the surging fighter said this (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“It’s a smart choice for him not fight me,” Oezdemir said.

“He’s right there for the belt too. His next fight was supposed to be for the belt, so because of that, fighting would me would be completely stupid.

“He will lose his spot if he fights me, he will go down and lose one year of his life. And I understand he wants to be smart. He’s coming back from an injury and now he thinks it’s his time to fight for the belt. He doesn’t want to lose it.”

Whether you think Gustafsson would beat Oezdemir or not, fighting “No Time” right now would be a risky proposition. Yes, Oezdemir has demonstrated he’s ridiculously dangerous, but unless the UFC declares that Gustafsson – Oezdemir is an interim title fight, why would “The Mauler” take it?

Chances are the UFC will look at Cormier – Gustafsson II instead. Oezdemir, meanwhile, will likely have to face another top contender, in what could end up being a title shot eliminator.